Going with Plan B

If at first you don't succeed, go with Plan B (or something like that).

How's that for a strategy? This week had me switching my plans around, pretty much on the daily. Not a bad thing, really, but it definitely keeps one's creative juices flowing in strategizing how to get it all done.

First world probs, am I right?

Alas, let's get this party started...

Welcome to the Weekly Run Down! I am so excited to host this link-up with Deborah (from Confessions of a Mother Runner). If you write a fitness-based blog, you're invited to join the party. The link-up opens at 1:00 (EST) on Sundays and remains open through noon on Monday. We love reading about everyone's weekly fitness endeavors, training highlights (or low lights) and race recaps. We ask that you link back to both hosts, and we encourage you to read/comment on the other linked blogs as well...please don't link-drop & dash ;-)

Here's what down, this past week, in my little fitness world....

Monday - Scratch the early morning #nevermissaMonday run...
My weather app hinted that there would be rain (and cold temps) happening at daybreak...and, for a rarity, it was correct. I opted to stay inside, and did a little bit of yoga before work. The rainy morning, though, gave way to a warm (albeit humid) afternoon, with plenty of sunshine. I bumped up the usual 3-mile distance to 4 (this is my peak month for MCM training), but kept the usual surges short and conservative in the heat.

Tuesday - Early morning #mileswithGustavas postponed...
Again, heavy rain and thunder storms greeted me upon wake-up. Since I wouldn't be heading outside, I decided to head down to the basement, and spend some time with Ellie (remember her? My elliptical?). I don't think I'd been on the elliptical since maybe February. I couldn't get the tv to work (the signal was out, due to the storm) and I didn't feel like traipsing back upstairs for my music...so I gritted it out for 20 minutes, with Max to keep me company. Later, after work, the sun was shining brightly (again) and the temps were (again) warm and humid...but I got out for 10 miles on the bike. Double cardio for the #activerecovery win.

     

Wednesday - Patriot Day with a  #neverforget bonus run...
Rain and storms had been in the forecast, but all that got pushed back a few hours, so Barb and I were able to meet up and do our weekly 5-miler at 05:00. Holy humidity, it was a muggy swamp outside! I felt the deep urge to do something as a tribute for Patriot Day, so I dug up my shirt from the Hero's Memorial Run (back in March).

Every year, I do some kind of a running tribute for Patriot Day. It feels like something I HAVE to do. I usually dress in red, white and blue. Several times, I have run (in silence) for 9.11 minutes. One year, I ran 9.11 miles after work. In 2017, while still in recovery from my surgery, I managed to walk 9.11 miles (intermittently throughout the day). Even though we'd run those five miles earlier, all day I just had a nagging feeling that I needed to do more. I texted Barb, telling her I had the urge to run an additional 4.11 miles after work...to reach a total of 9.11 miles for the day. The crazy thing? She wanted to do it, too. So we did. It was every bit as humid as it had been that morning (actually more so), and it was hot (86F)...but we got it done.

Thursday - Unplanned #restday...
In lieu of the previous day's unexpected high mileage, I decided a rest/recovery day was in order. My body actually felt fine, but I thought it wise to pass on the speedwork/HIIT that usually happens on Thursdays. Believe it or not, that walk with Max was all that happened (well, there was quite a bit of stretching, foam rolling and some yoga). We'd been home not even five minutes when the rain down-poured (again), but look at that cloudy sunrise! Later, I did go for a short 4-mile bike ride after dinner, but it was very low-key.

Friday - Cutting the #sunriseride short...
Since I had rested quite a bit on Thursday, I was eager to get out for an early morning 10-mile ride before work. Only, the 58F temps felt especially chilly and the wind was blowing especially fierce. I made it six miles, and bailed. Whomp Whomp. That has not happened before. But, I did do a short upper-body workout after I returned home.

Saturday - a successful #longrunSaturday...
I had 15 miles on the plan, but was hoping to tack on a 16th mile if all went well. I left the house, under the beautiful full moon, at 5:30. I ran five miles, then met up with Barb. We ran a few miles, then decided to change up our route...and took a challenging out & back detour on a hilly gravel road (for about three miles). Gravel is not easy (nor are hills),  but it made for an interesting challenge. Things felt good, and the weather was perfect (clear skies, temps in the low 60F's), so the bonus mile was a go. Although the run wasn't "easy" per se (umm, 16 miles, just saying), it did feel a lot easier than last week's 15-miler. I'd call that a win, for both of us.

Sunday - shakeout with my sherpa for a #recoveryrun...
As per usual, I do a short recovery run the day following a long run (or a long-distance race). As I was getting dressed, the hubby said he wanted to go along with me. He'd left his bike at his office, so we ran to his office (about a mile from our house), got his bike and he then rode along with me as we made our way back. My legs felt pretty good, but my lower back was a cranky mess. Thankfully, after the first mile, all things felt good. We took a mini detour through the college campus, and ended with just under three total miles. Onward!

So, although there was a bit of juggling (thanks to the crazy weather), I'm happy with how the week played out. All told, running saw 32 miles, walking had a meager 10 and biking had 19 miles (with another 15 on tap for Sunday afternoon). The elliptical was a nice addition, though I don't expect that will be a regular occurrence until the weather gets much colder. There was only one short upper-body strength session, which should have been longer. But, are you sitting? I did some yoga almost every day!

In case you missed out, here's what all went down on the blog this week:
Doubling Down
At-Home Workouts: Options Aplenty!
Biking in the Dark...it doesn't have to be scary

In other news:
Friday Fashion Flair! It was Team Spirit Day at the office, so I was decked out in Team Iowa Hawkeye attire. Saturday was our big game against our interstate rivals, the Iowa State Cyclones...so that's like the Super Bowl for the state of Iowa (spoiler: Hawks won!). Do you follow NCAA football? Did you have a big game this weekend (if so, were you dressed appropriately in team attire?)? As always, you're invited to join me on Instagram...post a pic of your Friday outfit, grab the hashtag (#FridayFashionFlair) and tag me (@runningonthefly).

I'm always in awe how Fate works. This memory pic popped up on Monday. Two years ago, still in recovery from surgery, I tried to go for a ride...and my knee just could not do it (full range of motion still had not yet returned). Ironically, a few days later, I had my final follow-up appointment with my surgeon, and he granted me full clearance to resume running. If only I'd had a crystal ball... not only did my rally back to running exceed my expectations, the biking thing totally surprised me as well. Setbacks are not a bad thing...they are temporary, and they can make us stronger for the experience if we learn from them.

Finally. September 11th, 2001 was a dark day in history. That was also an experience to learn from, though. I think it reignited our solidarity in our American pride (as well as brotherhood among other nations) and it also reinforced the power of mutual respect for one another. We do not have to like or agree with everyone we come in contact with, but everyone deserves respect. For myself, Patriot Day is not only a time of reflection, but also a time of moving forward.

So, there you have it. Another week down, and another week closer to the Marine Corps Marathon.  Knock wood, things still are feeling good. I'm working on getting  more sleep, and daily self care. And, I'm quite grateful for getting to choose to do so.

How was your week? Odd temperature swings for you, too? Any exciting new workouts? Training runs? Races?

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